Embracing mental health therapy begins with education. |
Getting Started
If this is your first time exploring therapy, you may have a lot of questions on how to navigate the process. Whether you choose us or not, here are some guiding steps to get started and ensure you have a successful experience:
Be Vigilant
Search for a therapist in the same way you choose any other healthcare professional. Your Clinician should have the right combination of temperament, education, training and experience. Your Clinician should be licensed, have experience treating the type of psychological conditions you're facing, and be compatible with your own personality and needs.
Ask Questions
How long has the Clinician been in practice? How many patients have had your same problem or issue? What were the results? What kinds of policies, fees, and payments are required?
Discuss Budget
If you have insurance, your plan may cover mental and behavioral health. That said, most Clinicians operate out of network due to paperwork and low reimbursements. Change4Greatness offers free consultations as well as sliding scale rates on a client by client basis.
Be Vigilant
Search for a therapist in the same way you choose any other healthcare professional. Your Clinician should have the right combination of temperament, education, training and experience. Your Clinician should be licensed, have experience treating the type of psychological conditions you're facing, and be compatible with your own personality and needs.
Ask Questions
How long has the Clinician been in practice? How many patients have had your same problem or issue? What were the results? What kinds of policies, fees, and payments are required?
Discuss Budget
If you have insurance, your plan may cover mental and behavioral health. That said, most Clinicians operate out of network due to paperwork and low reimbursements. Change4Greatness offers free consultations as well as sliding scale rates on a client by client basis.
Industry Specialists
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or psychiatric illnesses. They have medical training and are licensed to prescribe drugs. They are also trained in psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, which aims to change a person's behaviors or thought patterns.
Psychologists: Psychologists are doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) experts in psychology. They study the human mind and human behavior and are also trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing -- which can help uncover emotional problems you may not realize you have. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychologist's main treatment tool -- to help people identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.
Clinical Social Workers: Clinical social workers are specialists that provide social services in health-related settings that now are governed by managed care organizations. Their goal is to enhance and maintain a person's psychological and social functioning -- they provide empathy and counseling on interpersonal problems.They are licensed and certified to independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. Social workers are considered clinicians who help people function at their best in their environment, and they help people deal with relationships and solve personal and family problems. Clinicians can help with a wide range of problems, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, self-esteem issues, issues of aging, emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems.
Licensed Professional Counselors. Licensed professional counselors are required by state licensure laws to have at least a master's degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-master's experience. They often work closely with other mental health specialists. Counselors can also diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Psychologists: Psychologists are doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) experts in psychology. They study the human mind and human behavior and are also trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing -- which can help uncover emotional problems you may not realize you have. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychologist's main treatment tool -- to help people identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.
Clinical Social Workers: Clinical social workers are specialists that provide social services in health-related settings that now are governed by managed care organizations. Their goal is to enhance and maintain a person's psychological and social functioning -- they provide empathy and counseling on interpersonal problems.They are licensed and certified to independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. Social workers are considered clinicians who help people function at their best in their environment, and they help people deal with relationships and solve personal and family problems. Clinicians can help with a wide range of problems, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, self-esteem issues, issues of aging, emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems.
Licensed Professional Counselors. Licensed professional counselors are required by state licensure laws to have at least a master's degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-master's experience. They often work closely with other mental health specialists. Counselors can also diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.